the word "sibling"

[redbird]

"Sibling" in the current meaning of "brother or sister" was first used as a technical term in the 1900s, and wasn't in general use until the 1950s or 1960s.

In Middle English, "sibling" meant any relative.

link via utilitymonstergirl

Comments

[cmcmck]

In Middle English 'sibling' was a bit like 'cousin' which could also mean any relative.

[ljgeoff]

Interesting!

[dewline]

Did not know this bit of linguistic history!

[otter]

Language changes so much over time. I learned a 'new' old thing :)

[readerjane]

Interesting! I recently came across the coined term, “nibling”, which (at least in the context I saw) was being used for, “niece or nephew”.

[redbird]

I think "nibling" is a late 20th century or early 21st century coinage.

[rachelkg]

Yep, a modern coinage that I enjoy. Child of one's sibling, regardless of gender. Includes neices, nephews, and nonbinary children of one's siblings.

[mindstalk]

Probably multiple independent coinages. I think I coined it myself, having two sets of "niece and nephew", but doubt I am the Ur-source.